PROPOSALS for a Carlisle city centre waffle bar and cafe at a former Labrokes bookies has been approved.

Plans had been submitted to Carlisle City Council for the shop on Rosemary Lane at the end of January by Ayfer Koc, who lists her address as Howfoot Close, Cockermouth.

A change of use request, from a bookmakers to cafe, was granted by the council on Wednesday.

On the application form Mrs Koc said: "The property will stay as it is, no development will take place."

According to the city council's Recommendation and Reasons report: "The building has been vacant for a considerable period of time with no intervening use or enquiry.

"The change of use would add to the variety of businesses within the city centre and would not prejudice the sustainability of this retail area."